mandamus

American  

[man-dey-muhs] / mænˈdeɪ məs /

noun

plural

mandamuses

1. a writ from a superior court to an inferior court or to an officer, corporation, etc., commanding that a specified thing be done.

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verb (used with object)

1. to intimidate or serve with such writ.

mandamus British  

/ mænˈdeɪməs /

noun

1. law formerly a writ from, now an order of, a superior court commanding an inferior tribunal, public official, corporation, etc, to carry out a public duty

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Etymology

Origin of mandamus

From the Latin word mandāmus we command

Example Sentences

But a writ of mandamus is a last resort, when a prosecutor believes and can demonstrate that their case has been effectively destroyed by a judge clearly violating the law.

From Salon

The Smith team then made its most important and aggressive move by noting that when judges have issued clearly erroneous jury instructions that doom prosecutions, “courts have permitted the government to obtain writs of mandamus.”

From Seattle Times

“While it’s unlikely, it seems to me Cannon’s latest order is sufficiently bonkers that Jack Smith might at least entertain the thought of a mandamus motion,” tweeted attorney Robert Kelner.

From Salon

Lynch also asked Judge Jackson to decide by next Tuesday so the department could request a writ of mandamus from the U.S.

From Salon

They were seeking what’s known as mandamus, which is a request to the court to order a government official to take an action.

From Washington Times